As the old adage says: When it rains, it pours — and maybe there’s some lightning, too. All three MNUFC Academy teams traveled down to St. Louis this weekend for a full slate of games, but Mother Nature had other ideas. With almost 20 minutes left in the U18s opening game, the game was forced to a halt by lightning in the area, and the remainder of the day was put on hold.
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St. Louis CITY SC 1 - 1 MNUFC
Sure, the day ended early, but the eldest Academy side managed to get enough of a game in to consider the result final. A strong start from the hosts pinned the Loons in for the opening quarter of an hour, and the pressure paid dividends with a corner kick goal before too long. The visitors responded quickly, though, leveling the score from a well-worked set piece that found its way to the feet of Griffin Giel. The goal broke the pressure, giving them a reprieve before the halftime whistle.
The second half saw the momentum shift firmly to the Loons, as they turned the pressure back on their hosts. Despite the strong start, the Black and Blue didn’t find the go-ahead goal they needed, and just when the game tipped back into a back-and-forth cadence, dangerous weather conditions brought the proceedings to a complete halt.
Head Coach Alex Morawiecki was pleased with the result, noting the performances of defender Emory Ortwein, Griffin Giel, and Jadan Bernard as some of the team’s biggest difference-makers on the day. Ortwein’s leadership in the back, paired with his set piece dominance and composure on the ball, made a huge difference in his team’s approach to the match, as did Giel’s work rate and finishing touch. Bernard’s energy on the flank put the opposition off balance all match long, giving his side a chance to take advantage of a disorganized defensive shape.
Though it was only 72 minutes long, this weekend’s match marked a good step forward for the U18s, who showed their resilience to come from behind and earn a point on the road. All three Academy teams will return to action on November 1, returning to Minnesota for an intrastate showdown against Shattuck St. Mary’s — weather permitting, of course.
